Escape the Ordinary at Du Vin
Walking into Du Vin is like walking into a Disney-fied version of an European cafe. It's absolutely charming, cozy, and meant to look old, as if it's been there for years. There is no front door; you can walk right into the restaurant from Bethel Street. There are three distinct areas for dining - the main room which has a large wooden bar that runs the length of the room and has no stools; a small courtyard area where you can eat under the stars and have an intimate dinner; and the back room which has a smaller bar and feels more like a pub. The spaces flow into each other and are filled with little details that keep you wondering where you are because it certainly doesn't feel like Honolulu.
The food was as enjoyable as the decor. The menu was simple with a handful of small plates supplemented by three or four daily specials ranging in price from $6 - $15, and artisan cheeses and cured meets ranging in price from $4 - $6. My friends and I tried the French onion soup, prosciutto, artichoke salad, brie in a puff pastry, escargot, scallop crepes and mahi mahi. The prosciutto was served on a wooden slab with a little bit of fresh mustard and some mixed greens. The brie was baked in a puff pastry and came with a few slices of apples and pears. The scallop crepes came with a light creme sauce and the mahi mahi was grilled with some vegetables. The crepes and mahi mahi were entree-sized, but the other dishes were small (appetizer-sized) portions. Everything was delicious, though one of my friends complained that the brie was "too much" for the thin pastry and needed the slices of apple to go with it. It was also a little strange being in Hawaii and not to having any rice or other starch with the mahi mahi. Other than those small complaints, the food tasted great and the presentation was beautiful. For desert, we had a chocolate souffle, which wasn't too sweet or decadent, but could have used some creme fraiche, whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream. Du Vin has an extensive, but rather pricey wine list. The cheapest wine was $7 a glass, though it was a good portion that came in a carafe and was poured at the table. If wine isn't your drink of choice there is also a good selection of some premium beers and a full bar.
Du Vin is located on Bethel Street across from the Hawaii theatre. It is a great place to go for people watching, drinking, eating, and escaping the ordinary. If you want to feel like you took a vacation and stepped into another country for a few hours, Du Vin is the place to be.
